Energy Efficiency: Not on the watch of Harry Reid

The U. S. Senate failed yesterday to move to consideration of a bill which was largely thought as benign, not very intrusive, not very expensive as far as federal largesse goes and was supported by nearly everyone. The measure –sponsored by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) called for tighter energy use efficiency guidelines for new federal buildings and incentives to make homes and commercial buildings more efficient.

The bill failed to pass for one reason and one reason only. The Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate Harry Reid (D-NV) refused to allow amendments sponsored by Republicans, including preventing a measure that would have approved construction of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline from even being considered. Republicans also were seeking amendments to speed up natural gas exports and prevent certain EPA regulations on coal-fired power plants from going into effect.

Mr. Reid offered to eventually have a vote on the Keystone pipeline but many of his promises of this nature seem to never get fulfilled. I am not sure what is the difference of having the vote now or later--other than later never comes. Senator Reid, of course, blamed Republicans for the bill's failure. He blames the Republicans for everything. In this case, he cannot legitimately blame them for denying a vote-even debate- on very serious national issues.

Senator Dan Coats, (R-IN) was quoted as saying "Over the past 10 months, the majority leader has allowed just nine roll call votes on Republican amendments," Wow, nine votes, How did ole Harry allow those?

I believe that in order for democracy to work, in order to maintain a sustainable system, the process must be open, fair and robust. Not the case anymore in the U.S. Senate and Senator Reid should stop being so chicken. If measures like the Shaheen-Portman bill cannot even get to consideration he can blame himself.  Let them votes.